Instant Search results are limited in Outlook

Symptoms

In Microsoft Outlook 2007 and later versions running in Cached Exchange Mode, you perform an Instant Search and the search results list may not display all items matching your search query.

In Outlook 2013 and later versions, below the search results you will see Showing recent results… followed by More.

In Outlook 2010 and 2007, you will see the following message below the Instant Search text box:

Your search returned a large number of results. Narrow your search, or click here to view all results.

Cause

In order to improve performance of the Instant Search feature in Outlook, by default the search results list is limited to the most recent 200 items that match your search query in Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2007, and the most recent 250 items that match your search query in Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2013.

Values: 0 = Checkbox cleared, and all possible results are shown in the search results.X = The number of items displayed in the search results. For example, if you specify 100, Outlook will display the most recent 100 matching search results.

If the SearchResultsCap DWORD is missing, the checkbox will be enabled and the default behavior is functional (Outlook 2016: 250 items returned. Outlook 2013: 30 items returned before Outlook.exe build 15.0.4641.1001, and 250 items returned after Outlook.exe build 15.0.4641.1001. Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2007: 200 items returned).

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